Begging for baklava? Want to walk like an Egyptian? Modesto area has an event for that

Traditional Greek pastries on sale during the 2017 Greek Food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Modesto. Andy Alfaroaalfaro@modbee.com

Traditional Greek pastries on sale during the 2017 Greek Food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Modesto. Andy Alfaroaalfaro@modbee.com

Take heart hot weather sufferers, autumn ultimately will arrive, with its cooler days and brisk evenings. It also will bring some great reasons to get out into the great outdoors.

September in the Modesto and Mother Lode regions holds a fresh batch of festivals and fairs just made to celebrate the changing of the season.

So while we’re still sweltering in summer around these parts, fall is in the air, festival-wise at the very least. Here’s a look at the bigger events across the region that will bid adieu to summer while welcoming fall.

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LABOR DAY WEEKEND ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL – Sept. 1-2: The end of summer is celebrated during this 46th annual event in the Mother Lode town of Arnold. There will be beer and food, more than 50 booths filled with art, crafts, face painting and live music both days. Performers include Modesto band Home Grown and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Grounds of Bristol’s Ranch House Cafe, 961 Highway 4 in Arnold. Free.

NEWMAN FALL FESTIVAL — Aug. 30-Sept. 2: 48th annual community celebration. The Miss Newman pageant at the West Side Theatre kicks off the festivities on at 6 p.m. Thursday. A 21-and-older wine, cheese and craft beer event on Main Street will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, the same day that the carnival opens from noon to 11 p.m.; the carnival also runs 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. A parade on Sunday begins 11 a.m. at Mariposa Street and travels along Main Street. Festival at Pioneer Park, 1250 Tulare St., Newman. Free. 209-451-2815.

ASSYRIAN FESTIVAL — Sept. 15-16: You’re not seeing double — there is, indeed, a second Assyrian fest planned for September. This one is the fourth annual hosted by the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of California. Food, historical exhibits, live entertainment and a kids zone will be on hand. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. $1 entry. www.cvassyrianfestival.com

COLUMBIA ART SHOW – Sept. 16: This 46th annual event features more than 50 painters, potters, sculptors and photographers displaying art on the streets of Columbia State Historic Park. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Columbia State Historic Park, Main and State streets. Free. 209-536-1329.